Bernard Blum, 86-year-old founder of Connecticut accounting firm Blum Shapiro, passed away at a hospital in Hartford.
He founded the firm in 1980 and served as managing partner until 1985. Prior to founding Blum Shapiro, he established Blum Kaplan & Co., with partner George Kaplan, in 1956.
"Our firm has lost a kind, talented leader who served as an inspiration to everyone around him, and all of us at Blum Shapiro are greatly saddened by the passing of our good friend," said managing partner Carl R. Johnson in a statement.
Blum was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy by four different governors. He also served two terms as chair of the board and received the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Distinguished Service Award in 2001. He served on the board of governors of the Connecticut Society of CPAs and was recognized with its Annual Service and Meritorious Service awards. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the American Institute of CPAs Personal Financial Planning Division.
He was also president of the Greater Hartford Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, as well as an IMA national board member. In addition, he was president of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford and was the recipient of its first Service Award.
Blum is survived by his wife Helen, children Mara, Jerry, and Steven, and their families.
